MDS info sources

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Hello forum,

I'm a relatively new nurse (just over a year) working in long term care as a floor nurse and as MDS coordinator. My problem is that, this MDS position was given to me with no formal training. I got the manual and a backlog of MDS's and was asked to go to it. I'm teaching myself as I go along and have searched the internet high and low for sources that would help me learn more about this subject. Also, does anyone know where I can find CEU subjects that cover MDS?

Any information would help - thanks for your time.

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Lesliee, just wanted you to know that I saw this post and intend to answer it, but don't have the answer yet. We have several excellend resource folks at my facility and I'll try to get some iiiinformation for you.

Jan

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Specializes in ER CCU MICU SICU LTC/SNF.

try theses sites for starters:

http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/mds20/default.htm

http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/mds20/res_man.htm

...or go to http://www.google.com and type -- minimum data set

MDS ... quite a challenge for starters but we all started as students once. Good luck! It's not as tough as it looks.

One piece of advice... develop a system and it flows like a stream.;)

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Thanks Talino...

That's a good start for sources. I've never even heard of google - thanks for the info!

Lesliee

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Specializes in ER CCU MICU SICU LTC/SNF.

...... 'glad to share;)

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Call up your state Survey and Certification agency - they are usually mandated to provide some ongoing RAI training.

Also try your state's Long Term Care Association. In my state teh LTCA and state survey agency work together to put on RAI inservices at least Q 6 months.

The book does provide a lot of info. Make sure you also have a copy of the CMs LTC RAI Version 2.0 Questions and Answers - which was put out in 7/01.

The above web site should have a link to this area.

our facility is thinking about joining the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators - this is an organization which focuses on accurate efficient completion of RAI. Thier web site is http:/www.aanac.org

Welcome to this new adventure in long term care - Good luck and let us know how it goes!

PS - Every state agency has a should have a designated contact person for RAI questions - call them and find out who you can ask questions of.

Also - if your DON belongs to NADONNA - ask her if she can network with other DONs and find nurses in other facilities you can touch base with.

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Call up your state Survey and Certification agency - they are usually mandated to provide some ongoing RAI training.

Also try your state's Long Term Care Association. In my state the LTCA and state survey agency work together to put on RAI inservices at least Q 6 months.

The book does provide a lot of info. Make sure you also have a copy of the CMs LTC RAI Version 2.0 Questions and Answers - which was put out in 7/01.

The above web site should have a link to this area.

our facility is thinking about joining the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators - this is an organization which focuses on accurate efficient completion of RAI. Thier web site is http:/www.aanac.org

Welcome to this new adventure in long term care - Good luck and let us know how it goes!

PS - Every state agency has a should have a designated contact person for RAI questions - call them and find out who you can ask questions of.

Also - if your DON belongs to NADONNA - ask her if she can network with other DONs and find nurses in other facilities you can touch base with.

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An excellent site and wonderful organization to join...American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators

Lot of MDS nurses from all over the country.

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I have been a RNAC for the last seven months. I had to basically teach myself also!!! Still learning!! I have read the RAI manual - esp. where it is broken down section by section of MDS items. Also frequently visit HCFA.GOV and AANAC.COM

Hang in there!!!

Liz;)

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Good luck with your new position! I'm sure you will enjoy the challenge. Ask your DON to let you train a few days with another MDS cordinator. Most are great people and willing to share their ideas. This could get you off on the right foot until you could schedule a workshop. By the time another seminar or workshop is offered in your area, you may be ready to throw in the towel.

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You might want to check out the web site for the Florida Risk Management Institute in Largo/Clearwater Florida as they have an MDS Coordinator Certification course. Many of their courses are offered on line, I'm not sure if this one is or not, but it's worth looking in to. The very best of luck....networking with other MDS coordinators is priceless!!

Myst;)

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I know what it is like learning the ins and outs of the MDS.

Remember, it takes about 6 months to get used to the job. When I took over as NAC of my facility I was also backlogged. A two day training helped TREMENDOUSLY! If there are any particular questions you need answers to feel free to drop me an e-mail or a PM. I'll try to get you an answer.

The aanac website is helpful but really only if you are a member. Get your facility to sign you up (that is...pay for the membership).

-Russell

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